PONTIAN – The cabinet needs to discuss if an extension to the school holidays is required as a heatwave sweeps the nation, said Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
The deputy prime minister said the National Disaster Management Committee secretariat had already met and implemented coordinated efforts with various related ministries and agencies.
Malaysia has been experiencing sweltering temperatures recently, especially in Kelantan, where two children have died of heatstroke.
“I think it (a school holiday extension) should be discussed at the cabinet meeting.
“As chairman of the National Disaster Management Committee, we have coordinated efforts with state governments, the Health Ministry (MoH), and local authorities, not only to monitor but to help those suffering from heatstroke due to climate change,” he told reporters at the Pontian Umno Aidilfitri open house in Benut here today.
The Bagan Datuk MP also reminded the public to take precautionary measures due to the heatwave, adding that MoH has also taken several measures to tackle problems resulting from this phenomenon.
“We advise those in areas affected by the heatwave to drink more water but I have been informed by the Meteorological Department that the heatwave will end in mid-May.
“So, I hope that even though this is new, we have to be careful and take several health measures,” Zahid said when asked if there was a need to extend the school holidays and the government’s measures to tackle the heatwave.
Two children, an 11-year-old boy, and a one-and-a-half-year-old girl, were reported to have died due to heatstroke recently. – Bernama, April 28, 2023
